About KIND:

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied refugee and migrant children. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child’s rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety. Since 2008, KIND has accepted over 23,000 referrals of children seeking legal representation in their immigration proceedings. KIND has welcomed more than 41,000 attendees to trainings since its founding, cultivating partnerships with over 670 law firms, corporate legal departments, law schools, and bar associations across the country.

KIND’s social services program ensures that migrant and refugee children – who have often endured trauma – receive counseling, educational support, medical care and other comprehensive services.

To address the root causes of child migration from Central America and strengthen protection of unaccompanied children, KIND advocates for policy changes and educates lawmakers, the media, and the broader public on the conditions that drive these children to flee their home countries. KIND supports children returning to their home countries by connecting them to essential support services and sponsors gender-based violence prevention programs in Central America to protect children in countries of origin and transit.

KIND is also building upon its expertise in the protection of unaccompanied children to encourage the development of pro bono initiatives across Europe in partnership with European NGOs.

Position Description:

KIND’s Central American Minors (CAM) Program seeks an intern for the Fall semester of 2023 (approximate dates are 9/11/2023-12/22/2023) to support in-house (direct) and pro bono (volunteer) legal representation of unaccompanied children. The exact hours and schedule will be discussed during interviews or prior to the start of the internship. The anticipated start date for this internship is May 30, 2023. KIND’s preference is for the intern to commit to 16 weeks for 12-16 hours. This internship is unpaid but may be pursued for academic credit. We are happy to assist with work-study and funding from external sources is welcomed. A laptop will be provided for this role.

Essential Functions:

• Case Management: Maintain case data management system through data entry, such as tracking court hearing dates and deadlines, case activities, client communications, case referrals, and key indicators.
• Client Engagement: Respond to CAM hotline inquiries; assist with reviewing and assigning referrals; observe and conduct eligibility screenings; draft routine correspondence to clients and referrers.
• Programmatic Support: Participate in special projects for KIND attorneys and staff, as needed; support pro bono program by assisting with application preparation and case audits; update program materials, such as training guidance and resources for parents and children.
• Community Outreach: Assist with virtual and in-person information sessions and other community outreach initiatives.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program.
• Strong writing skills and attention to detail.
• Experience and interest in working with children, immigrant communities and/or victims of trauma preferred.
• Professional fluency in written and spoken Spanish required.
• Ability to commit to at least 12 hours per week for 16 weeks during the Fall 2023 semester.
• Ability to work remotely and have regular interaction via telephone, videoconference, IM, and email with KIND's team.
• This internship is unpaid, but KIND is happy to support school credit, work study and stipends that interns can seek through their academic institutions.

KIND requires all staff be COVID vaccinated with the exception of those who have medical or religious beliefs exemptions.

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter online. Applications that do not contain all of the above-listed required materials will not be considered. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled, and applicants selected for interviews will be duly notified. Please no inquiries or phone calls.

Externship requirements – if you are planning to complete an externship for academic credit, please indicate this in your cover letter.

KIND has an organization-wide commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We strive to create a work environment where everyone has a sense of belonging. Individuals from historically underrepresented or underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Disclaimer: KIND is committed to an ethical recruitment and hiring process and maintains a firm “no fees” recruitment policy. We will never charge a fee or ask for money as part of the application process. KIND also conducts all interviews via telephone or video conference, and at no time will KIND engage in a text or mobile app-based application or interview process. For more information, please visit the following website: https://supportkind.org/join-the-team/kind-employment-practices/ .

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